Healthy Chocolate Protein Donuts Recipe
Introduction
These Healthy Chocolate Protein Donuts are a delightful treat that combines rich chocolate flavor with a boost of protein. Perfect for breakfast or a nutritious snack, they are easy to make and satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt.
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup chocolate protein powder
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk alternative)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional toppings: dark chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or a drizzle of natural peanut butter
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, sift together whole wheat flour, chocolate protein powder, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk to combine.
- Step 3: In another bowl, mix applesauce, honey (or maple syrup), Greek yogurt, almond milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Step 4: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix; the batter should be thick but pourable.
- Step 5: Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full. Smooth the tops.
- Step 6: Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Avoid overbaking.
- Step 7: Allow donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 8: Add optional toppings like dark chocolate chips, nuts, or a peanut butter drizzle.
Tips & Variations
- For a vegan version, substitute Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt and use maple syrup instead of honey.
- To add extra moisture, try mixing in a mashed banana or a spoonful of nut butter.
- Experiment with toppings like shredded coconut or a dusting of powdered sugar for variety.
Storage
Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in a microwave or oven before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular flour instead of whole wheat flour?
Yes, all-purpose flour can be used, but whole wheat adds more fiber and a nuttier flavor to the donuts.
Will these donuts be very sweet?
They have a mild sweetness from the honey or maple syrup, balanced by the cocoa and protein powder, making them a healthier treat rather than an overly sugary dessert.
Print
Healthy Chocolate Protein Donuts Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 10 donuts 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Healthy Chocolate Protein Donuts are a perfect guilt-free treat combining whole wheat flour, protein powder, and natural sweeteners. Baked to perfection, they offer a moist, chocolatey flavor ideal for breakfast or a snack, with optional toppings like dark chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture and taste.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup chocolate protein powder
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk alternative)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
- Dark chocolate chips
- Crushed nuts
- Drizzle of natural peanut butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan to ensure the donuts do not stick during baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together whole wheat flour, chocolate protein powder, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these ingredients to combine evenly.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the unsweetened applesauce, honey or maple syrup, Greek yogurt, almond milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and consistent.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be thick but pourable to maintain donut texture.
- Fill the Donut Pan: Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full. Smooth the tops to ensure even baking.
- Bake: Bake the donuts for 12 to 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Avoid overbaking to keep them moist.
- Cool Donuts: Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them set properly.
- Add Toppings: Once cooled, add optional toppings such as dark chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or a drizzle of natural peanut butter for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to prevent dense donuts.
- You can substitute almond milk with any milk alternative or regular milk.
- For a vegan version, replace Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt and use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Feel free to experiment with different protein powder flavors for variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Healthy donuts, chocolate protein donuts, baked donuts, whole wheat donuts, protein snacks, low-fat desserts, breakfast donuts, natural sweeteners
